EXEC: Tactical and Outdoor Rec Led Active Consumer M&A Activity Growth in 2025
Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Famer Connie Klimenko Passes Away
The Tech Stack Problem Costing Team Dealers Time and Money — and How the Industry Is Solving It
U.S. Sporting Goods Wholesale Sales Reached $130 Billion in 2025
EXEC: Sportsman’s Warehouse Execs Talk Q4 Category Hits and Misses, 2026 to-Date Trends
SGB Update
Walmart Plans 650 U.S. Remodels In 2026, Adding 20 New Stores
The remodels will feature wider aisles, updated displays, expanded assortments, and new digital touchpoints. The stores will also feature refreshed interiors and exteriors, modern signage, and improved parking and landscaping.
American Outdoor Brands Names VP of Corporate Development
American Outdoor Brands, Inc. appointed Tyler Lindwall to the newly created role of VP of corporate development. Lindwall, formerly at Vista Outdoor, will be tasked with identifying and evaluating acquisition opportunities, supporting transaction execution and partnering across the organization on integration efforts.
Colt Appoints President and CEO
Prague-based Colt CZ Group promoted Jillair Kubish to president and CEO of the Colt Manufacturing Group. Kubish had been serving as interim CEO since August 2025 and was formerly EVP of Military and Law Enforcement.
March Retail Sales Climb Again as Tax Refunds Offset Rising Gas Prices
Retail sales rose again in March as consumers received higher-than-usual tax refunds that offset higher gasoline prices, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. Total retail sales, excluding automobile dealers and gasoline stations, were up 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted month-over-month and up 6.59 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Roger Barton Stepping Down from Outdoor Research Leadership Role
A 32-year veteran of the outdoor and active apparel market, Roger Barton first joined Outdoor Research in 2018, initially serving in a dual capacity leading finance and operations. He was promoted to president in 2018.
SGB Executive
EXEC: Tactical and Outdoor Rec Led Active Consumer M&A Activity Growth in 2025
Tactical Products M&A maintained its prior-year momentum, with deal volume increasing by 19 percent in 2025. Outdoor Recreation M&A volume saw its second consecutive year of expansion, rising 48 percent to 164 transactions. In Apparel & Footwear, M&A activity retracted nearly 14 percent year-over-year to 152 deals in 2025, the first decline since 2022.
EXEC: BRP, Inc. Suspends Fiscal 2027 Guidance Based on U.S. Tariff Impact
The Canada-based parent of the Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo and Lynx power sports brands is suspending its full-year fiscal year 2027 guidance following the recent amendment of Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper imports into the U.S.
EXEC: Academy’s Chief Merchant Talks ‘Better, Best’ Push, Commitment to Newness
Matt McCabe, EVP and chief merchandising officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors, spoke with SGB Executive about the chain’s evolving merchandise strategy, including pushes to feature more premium product, prioritize newness, and reduce out-of-stocks and markdowns. He also shared fresh insights into the Academy shopper.
EXEC: Academy Sports Scores Stock Price Target Upgrades Following Analyst Day
A number of analysts raised their price targets on Academy Sports + Outdoors Inc. following the company’s release of a five-year growth plan at an Analyst Day event, with many more convinced the chain will inflect back to growth this year.
EXEC: Colt CZ Appoints Board Member
Prague-based Colt CZ Group SE appointed Martin Durčák as a member of its Board of Directors of Colt CZ. Durčák will be responsible for business development in strategic areas beyond the group’s core product portfolio of firearms, small-caliber ammunition, and energetics.
